STGC revival inspired by strong coaching partnership
Published:Sunday | February 1, 2026 | 12:12 AMGregory Bryce - Staff Reporter
When Gavin James was handed the keys to St George’s College (STGC) track and field programme, he knew there was only one coach he trusted to be his assistant.
Now years later, James and his assistant coach, Kevin Pryce, have led a turnaround in the fortunes for the blue side of North Street.
James was appointed head coach of STGC’s track and field team during the COVID pandemic and knew he had a major task ahead.
The school had only lifted the boy’s Champs title twice in their history, with their latest triumph coming over 100 years ago when they won in 1925.
For a school known mostly for its rich footballing history, he knew there was a lot of work to be done before they could once again climb among the top track and field programmes.
With this in mind, James turned to his more veteran coach, and close friend Pryce, to fill the role of his assistant.
“When I came to George’s, I always said to myself, because I have a lot of coaches, you know, because I used to work at Racers and stuff. I always said to myself, when I become a head coach for any school, I’m going to carry this one person with me; and Mr Pryce was the person,” James explained.
“I never said it to him, but I said it to other persons and I had it in mind. When the opportunity came up and I went to him, he said, ‘Gavin, anything for you’,” he continued.
“He came and we are creating great things here, you know, great things.”
For Pryce, the decision to join James’ coaching staff at STGC was an easy decision, and one that has begun to bear fruit.
Pryce said the professional relationship between the two coaches is a brotherly one, and the pair are more often than not, always on the same page regarding their coaching direction.
STRONG IMPACT
Their connection has also had a strong impact on the athletes, who approach their training sessions with the utmost trust in their coaching staff.
“Coach James I’ve known for years now; like a brother,” Pryce said
“Funny enough, we’ve never had a disagreement and most of the times, say he has an idea to change a particular thing in training, sometimes I say it before him and I always keep saying, why are you reading my mind?”
He continued, “We understand each other and we have fun at practice every time so that just spills over with the boys. As long as they’re focused and they’re working, we have to have a bit of fun too.”
Pryce, the more senior coach of the two, said he is proud to see James at the helm of the programme, and is willing to share his experience.
Pryce said it is important for young coaches to be handed the opportunity to lead and he is hopeful James, and the other young coaches, can continue to grow and develop in the sport.
“I’m excited for him,” he said. “I am the type of coach who, I am not selfish. Anybody who wants to learn, my speciality is sprint hurdles, so anybody who wants to learn from me, I always welcome.
“I’m happy for the young coaches coming up now who are exploring and achieving their goals. I just hope they keep focused and really achieve their dreams.”